"He appeared to have been kicked in the back of the head when he came off his bull," said rodeo doctor Chris Miller of Kansas Orthopaedic Services. "On the floor of the arena, it was apparent he had a serious spinal cord injury."

Before surgery, the teen reported he could feel nurses moving his leg, a positive sign, the rodeo doctor said.

"It's very possible that he can recover full or partial functions. It's really impossible to tell at this point what the extent of any permanent injuries may be," Miller said. "We want to hope for the best but be realistically prepared for the worst." ~ read more

Carpenter's mother witnessed the accident Friday, and his father and sister flew into town Friday night from Louisiana, Rodrigue said. The family is staying in the community until Carpenter is released from the hospital.

"They could be here anywhere from three weeks to a month before they can move Corbin," he said. "It will still be several days before they can figure out how much damage there is."

Tres Rios High School Rodeo Association committee members have set up an account. Donations are being accepted in the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association Donation Account for Corbin Carpenter at any Citizens Bank location or at the information center at McGee Park. ~ read more

With Corbin Carpenter still in serious condition, the good folks at McGee started collecting money tonight. Incredibly, in one night, they raised more than $12,000 in cash. One night. That's stunning to me. Corbin apparently was doing a bit better Saturday, though he still faces a lengthy rehab process in the weeks and months ahead. He was moving his hands, a very good sign. I had the chance to talk to a few contestants on the Louisiana team, and it's evident Corbin has a very solid support team. Again, we'll keep him in our thoughts and prayers.